Lionel Richie Offers Explanation Into Last-Minute Show Cancellation Amid Fan Outrage
Lionel Richie shared an update following a recent last-minute cancellation at one of his shows that angered and disappointed loyal fans.
The American Idol judge canceled his appearance at the joint concert with Earth, Wind & Fire about an hour before he was set to take the stage on August 12, 2023.
"Due to severe weather and being unable to land in the NY and surrounding areas, I'm unable to make it to the show tonight. I'm so bummed," he shared on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
Due to severe weather and being unable to land in the NY and surrounding areas, I’m unable to make it to the show tonight. I’m so bummed. We are rescheduling the show to Monday Aug 14. Can’t wait to perform for you all. Tickets for tonight’s show are valid for the show on Monday.
— Lionel Richie (@LionelRichie) August 13, 2023
The singer performed the night before in Boston, which prompted many fans to call him out for “poor planning" for not being able to make the two-hour plane trek.
“Sounds like bad planning on your part @LionelRichie , trying to fly in at the last minute. I’ll take a refund please,” wrote one, as another agreed, “Yes. After so many years of touring, this makes no sense!”
Others questioned the excuse suggesting the weather wasn’t bad on East Coast.
Press team lies. What actually happened? Nobody flies in late and blames weather. Weather was A OK. We are a group of 12 and so disappointed but not as disappointed as the tourists and fans who made plans around the gig and wil now miss it. What’s the real, substantial and…
— Ed Brooks (@EddieAbroad) August 13, 2023
When the 'weather excuse' feels cloudier than the actual sky... ☀️💭 Why no heads-up before we crammed the auditorium? C'mon press team, all of us and countless fans are waiting for the real story. 🎤🧐 #ConcertConundrums
— Sylvester Anthony III (@SylvstrAnthny) August 13, 2023
Big fan, Lionel, but I’m surprised your team didn’t pre-plan properly and get a personal weather forecast to know when/where to fly into in order to make the show. Easy to figure out if you have the right resources. Give me (Howard Altschule) a call and we’ll take care of you. pic.twitter.com/t2Sx2TNXx8
— Forensic Weather Consultants (@FWCWeather) August 13, 2023
Sorry but early in the day there was no severe weather in nyc . And you were coming from BOSTON? You need a better tour manager who pays attention to weather reports, and make sure that you are on a plane train car bus or whatever earlier in the day not later w/ rain in forecast
— ERoosevelt aka Jayne (@ERoosevelt9) August 13, 2023
Elsewhere, others questioned why Richie and his team waited till the very last minute to inform fans of the cancellation rather than giving them a heads-up before they arrived at the venue.
Thank you so much for announcing this an hour after the show was supposed to start
— Jack (@howdy_imjack) August 13, 2023
Despite fan outrage, the 74-year-old singer gave a promising update for those with flexible schedules, noting that he would make it up to them: “We are rescheduling the show to Monday, Aug 14. Can’t wait to perform for you all. Tickets for tonight’s show are valid for the show on Monday.
After several fans raised issues with the new date as Earth, Wind & Fire were already scheduled to perform separately in Connecticut with host Derek Jeter, the group’s official Instagram provided an update on the show noting that it was rescheduled to accommodate Richie’s.
Related: Lionel Richie on His 'Secret' Performance for King Charles' Coronation
"Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Earth, Wind & Fire concert scheduled for Monday, August 14th at Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport has been rescheduled to Wednesday, August 16th. All tickets purchased for original date will be honored. Because of prior commitment for Wednesday, Derek Jeter will no longer be able to attend the rescheduled date,” the message posted by the venue read.
It seems like weather is one thing you can’t control, even if you are a star of Richie’s caliber.
